Central West AFL to introduce a hall of fame concept in 2021

The league currently awards life membership - they've handed out four, the most recent being Bathurst's Tony Lewis in 2015 - but the new hall of fame concept would sit below the life membership in terms of prestige ranking.

Central West AFL competition and development coordinator Casey White said the concept is something the league has been working towards for a number of years.

READ MORE:

"It's something we've been trying to piece together over the past couple of years, whilst working on the strategic plan," he said.

"We've identified volunteer recognition and club member recognition as something that the league needed to improve on.

"With some assistance from current life member Tony Lewis, we've been able to piece together a draft hall of fame matrix, which we're working towards implementing this season.

"I think it aligns really well with that mission statement of the AFL 'to progress the game so everyone can share in it's heritage and possibilities'."

White said clubs will be able to nominate players they believe should be induced in the hall of fame.

"It's still a work in process, but the current plan is clubs will have a chance to nominate players they think should be deserving to be in that honour," he said.

The Central West AFL season is expected to be formally launched in mid-April with a proposed 12-sided carnival in Parkes.

All grades will begin following the Anzac Day weekend, with seniors starting on Saturday, May 1, and the juniors on Sunday, May 2.

The first Central West AFL was back in 1982, which featured just the one men's grade, with the now-defunct Young Saints being crowned premiers.

The competition has since expanded to include two senior men's competitions, as well as one women's grade, four junior grades including a youth girls competition and Auskick.

To keep up to date on all things Central West AFL related, like the Facebook page @aflcentralwest.